We thank Our beloved Son, Cardinal Spellman, your esteemed Archbishop, for this warm welcome. We come to you from Rome with the blessings of those great Saints Peter and Paul, whose blood sanctified it, and the blessings of Christ Whose Vicar on earth We are.
To you, dear Brother, pastor of this magnificent and glorious edifice, to the Bishops, clergy, religious and faithful gathered around you, We extend a word of special greeting. Today We feel a common citizenship with you because We are here in your city and your country and because you are citizens of the Church of Rome. We truly are one in sentiment! The patron of this great cathedral, St. Patrick, once said, « As you are Christians, so be you Romans ». This We feel in a special manner because we are all citizens of Rome.
Asking you for your prayerful support of Our message for peace, We extend to all of you and to your dear ones at home, the aged, the sick and the children in a special manner, Our paternal Apostolic Blessing.
